Thursday, 25 December 2014

Well here we are again! Winter 2014/15 is kicking off and the SnowLittle nanny crew have now nearly all arrived in Bourg. Among the lovely ladies on the team this year are a host of returning nannies joined by some fresh new faces, keen for their first season in the French Alps! Everyone has been prepped with their nanny packs, full of fun games and activity ideas and they're all really excited to get on the slopes and start their placements with their families.

We're all eagerly awaiting the snow in Bourg st Maurice and the surrounding resorts. Luckily the mountain crews have been working hard preparing the pistes and the whole valley is fortunate to count it's resorts amongst the few that are opening. What's more they're still offering a lot of skiable terrain. There's also lots of extra events being organised to keep everyone entertained over the Christmas period and here in Bourg we've been spending time in the Christmas market getting festive with a nice mulled wine!

If skiings not your thing on your winter holiday and you're heading to Les Arcs, then be sure to check out all the exciting new Mille8 project, that has been developed in les Arcs 1800 and includes a host of great facilities, including a new bubble lift for pedestrians. Check out the details here: Mille8 project

Well that's all from us for now, we'll be back in a couple of weeks but until then we'd like to wish everyone a very merry, snowy, fun-filled Christmas and a really happy 2015!

Friday, 12 December 2014

Jenni:

I’m Jen, I have just graduated from Bournemouth University where I studied Environmental Science. I love working with kids as their refreshing and individual personalities never fail to brighten my day. I come from a very family orientated background and really value the quality time with my friends and family. I have experience caring for and baby-sitting children from toddlers to 12 yrs. I am super excited to work in the French Alps this year and I can’t wait to help you and your family have a fantastic holiday! :)

Charlotte:

I am so excited to finally be spending my first winter season in the Alps having been a visitor to Les Arcs for the last 5 years. I have most recently been working as a Recruiter at the BBC in London and I am now looking to head to the snowy mountains for a winter of skiing and building snowmen! Helping to make holidays an enjoyable and unforgettable experience for the whole family through SnowLittle and being able to spend time with my brother, his fiancé and their new born baby are what I am most looking forward to. Childcare is such a fulfilling choice of work for me as no two days are the same, I love encouraging creativity and most of all, having fun!

Rebecca.B:

The mountains have been part of my winter life for many years now after swapping life as a city lawyer to pursue a more natural lifestyle. Passionately promoting balance in our approach to life, our challenges and opportunities. I have been teaching the tools to lead a balanced life through yoga and other centering practices since 2008. Working with children in yoga play (toddlers and upwards) is possibly the best job in the world. Exploring creative expression, movement and singing through imaginative adventures in nature.

I love the mountains, skiing, snowboarding and the freedom that comes with exploring in the alpine nature - offering childcare for families on their snow holidays is a wonderful opportunity for me to support you in your adventures so you can embrace your holiday with peace of mind that the little ones are being well cared for and experiencing as much fun as you are.

Jess:

Hello! My name is Jess and I’m a graduate from Cardiff. I cannot wait to meet you all and spend my third season in the mountains with SnowLittle!

I became a nanny 4 years ago whilst working part time in a day nursery and have loved every minute of it. After spending an amazing Christmas in the Alps, I decided that working as a nanny in the mountains would be absolutely perfect for me. As soon as my previous season ended, I couldn’t wait to get back out this winter!

There are many things in life as well as childcare that I’m passionate about. I’ve played drums in a few bands and really enjoy going to gigs and festivals. Snowboarding has become a new hobby of mine and I cannot wait to improve as much as I can this winter and get shredding! And of course being Welsh, I have to include the rugby!

In a few years time I would love to own my own nursery. Until that time comes, spending my

winter’s nannying in the mountains and summer’s working in childcare at home sounds pretty good to me.

Amy:

Hi! This is my second Season in the Alps. I have been here on holiday many times and can’t think of a better playground for children, than here. I love the snow and all the fun activities it brings, this coupled with a child’s imagination is why I love being a Nanny.

Rebecca.M:

This is Rebecca’s second season with SnowLittle and we are thrilled to have her back!

She has an amazing bubbly personality, is very creative and is extremely passionate about caring for children. Rebecca has cared for children from 6months - 16yrs with SnowLittle and has been requested back several times!

Rebecca has worked as a Social Care worker with in the Daughters of Charity service for 8 years. Within a specialised residential behavioural unit with service users with Intellectual disabilities. She specialises in delivering one to one care meeting all the medical, social and palliative needs of the residents. She is a very passionate skier too - and knows the resort really well. She comes from a strong family orientated background and has always been around children, both working as a nanny and and as an after school babysitter.

All the feedback we have received this season has been amazing!

Millie:

Hi! I’m Millie, I’m 20 years old and from Essex, UK.

I am a friendly, reliable and caring person with a lot of ambition and a down-to-earth personality. I have 6 years of childcare experience and have also worked as a Waitress and in Catering, and most recently as an Emergency Call Handler for the Ambulance Service here in the UK.

After travelling Europe this Summer, I will be working in the alps as a Nanny, as it is something that I have always wanted to do. I love the outdoors and am keen to improve my snowboarding and carry on learning French. I thoroughly enjoy working with kids and can ensure that they will be happy, entertained and safe with me at all times. I am really looking forward to my experience this winter, working in a job that I love!

Sheryl:

Hello. I’m Sheryl. I’m 35 years old and a teacher in the UK. I teach Outdoor Pursuits from Easter through to Christmas, and then I ski from Christmas through to Easter. I’ve been doing Ski seasons for 7 years now, and this is my third year working for snow little. I love being around children and sharing in their magic, and have a huge range of tricks up my sleeve for keeping the little ones amused. I have experience in all age groups, and am very comfortable with all children from babies through to teens. I’m looking forward to meeting you and your children, and being involved in their winter adventures.

Claudia:

My first experience working with children started as a Science Teacher in primary schools delivering extra curricular activities for children aged 7 to 12 years old. It found it very rewarding working so I knew I would always wanted to work with children. I love spending my time with the children playing in the snow, sledging and seeing them happy and enjoying their holiday.

I consider myself a responsible, friendly and caring person who loves working with people especially with children.

After living 4 years in UK, I decided to experience something different and I moved to the French Alps where for the last 3 year I have been working as a nanny in the resorts throughout Paradiski and Espace Killy.

Kelsie:

Hello I’m Kelsie,

I’m energetic and reliable and I love to get outdoors as much as possible.

I’m so excited to be working for SnowLittle this season, I love encouraging the children to join in with a range of fun filled activities from building snowmen to painting pictures. I have babysitting experience with children aged 6 months + (I can provide references from multiple families)

In my personal and working life I have worked with challenging behaviours and find I excel in managing unexpected situations.

I have also accompanied the children too and from school as well as catering for them in the evenings which involved bathing and clothing the children.

Jocasta:

I came to the Alps from London for the first time four years ago for a change of scenery, and it was love at first sight. Not knowing anything about mountain life, skiing or that there are different types of snow, I was a true alpine novice. Flash forward to today, I can add skiing to my lifes’ passions (snowboarding is on the way, wish me luck) and I’m very proud to say I am an expert snowman and igloo builder. I feel very lucky to be able to call this truly magical part of the world, my home away from home. The fact that I get to work as a nanny here ties everything up perfectly. Meeting families and children from all over the world, getting to know each child individually whether it’s their first time in the mountains or they’re on their way to becoming a skiing champion, there is nothing more rewarding than being part of their time here. There are new, fun and snowy adventures to be had everyday, for all ages. I very much looking forward to meeting you.

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Another great week in Les Coches with Johanna and Emmy – total stars! And I know nannies – as a full time working mother of 3 small children, let me tell you, I know nannies – I have interviewed loads and employed a few and these 2 were excellent.The kids loved them – most important of all.They played with them endlessly, brought arts and crafts which they loved, had them out in the snow building snowman and sledging etc. Emmy babysat one night and my children were really happy about this. My children usually need a full conversation about me going out and are not happy about it – but they were happy with Emmy.

What I liked most – they used their initiative (which some nannies don’t). They took my little one out for walks and off to the park etc etc. They didn’t keep asking if this or that was OK, they just got on with it.

Punctual. Actually did more hours than I asked for by arriving a little early and staying on later. Well organised and clearly experienced. Took it all in their stride.

Friday, 4 April 2014

Jess and Claire were excellent nannies. They kept all of the children entertained and did so many activities with them. The children really enjoyed spending each afternoon with them and it made our trip so much easier as us parents were able to head off skiing in the knowledge that the children were happy.
~ Mike - Les Arcs 1950 - Les Jardins De La Cascade

"Kate was incredible with our little boy Charlie, she was always on time - if not early. She is very organised and extremely professional. It was a pleasure to have her take care of our son. We would not hesitate to use her again. She has a wonderful,positive and engaging personality and great energy. She also is a complete natural when it comes to childcare."~ Sally in Les Arcs 1950 - Princes Des Cimes

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

We wanted to write to thank Emmy for doing such a great job during our holiday in les Coches last week. She was wonderful with the children; Robert was always very happy to be handed over to her in the mornings which made it so much more relaxing for us and we were able to enjoy time away without worrying. Isla thoroughly enjoyed playing with Emmy too, and they both enjoyed their little outings in the snow! Emmy was very calm and caring and gentle with them and we just wanted to be sure you got a good review from us!

Monday, 24 February 2014

"We had Els as our nanny. She was amazing. Our 18th month old daughter, Hannah really bonded with her and had a fab week. She was very friendly and all off our party thought she was Great. Everyday she ensured Hannah was outside having fun sledging, out for walks or at the playground. Really happy with the whole experience through SnowLittle and will use again. Many thanks."~ Ciara, La Rosiere - February 2014

Monday, 10 February 2014

My name is Clemmie and not only am I passionate about children but I am also passionate about the mountains, so working with SnowLittle is a dream job for me.

As a super keen climber and skier, I like nothing more than a day on the hill and I'd love to be able to find innovative ways to help your children to have an awesome time in the snow too!

I have worked with children in heaps of different environments: in a primary school in Tanzania; tutoring maths and physics and coaching running. I can't wait to start getting to know your children in the most exciting environment of all: the Alps!